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Human Resource Management (MSHRM)

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Drive Organizational Change with a Master's in Human Resources

Human resource managers play a crucial role in organizations, helping to create a positive, productive workplace culture. If you want to develop your skills in talent acquisition and development, and impact organizational success, TROY's Master of Science in Human Resource Management is for you. With TROY's MSHRM, you'll strengthen your HR expertise and leadership skills. You'll also learn how to help organizations compete strategically and ethically in the global business environment — and advance your career in the process.

TROY student taking notes in class
“TROY's Master's in Human Resource Management provides a solid foundation across all aspects of HR and empowers you to understand more deeply how Human Resources can serve as a strategic partner for the business. The program puts theory into practice and prepares you with the tools and resources needed to add value to any organization.”
Lucy-Jane Baxley | 2021 graduate | HR Program/Project Manager, USAA

Prepare for Advanced Human Resources Careers

Whether you already work in HR, want to transition into the field or own a small business, TROY's M.S. in human resource management will position you for success. You'll develop knowledge in areas such as employment law, ethical leadership, organizational development and other advanced concepts. You'll also become skilled in interpersonal communication, critical thinking, problem-solving and business, preparing you for roles such as HR analyst, HR business partner, HR manager and HR director.

A Flexible, Online Master's in Human Resources

Earn your master's in human resources online at the pace that works for you. TROY's MSHRM is designed for working professionals looking for a flexible HR graduate program. Offering five start dates, a fully online curriculum and supportive faculty, the MSHRM program provides a manageable way to earn a graduate degree. Our program has been recognized among the “Best Online Master's in Human Resources,” ranked #4 In 2021 by Best Value Schools, an online organization devoted to providing independent, evidence-based rankings of schools, degrees, and programs. The program is also aligned with the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM) guidelines and templates for educational programs in human resource management, ensuring it aligns with the needs of businesses.
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Master of Science in Human Resource Management Curriculum

While specific courses may vary from year to year, coursework for the M.S. in human resource management includes:
Academic Catalog Degree Map

MSHRM Program Locations

Get the flexibility you need by earning your master's in human resources online. For more information about program availability and delivery options, call 1-800-414-5756

TROY Online

A Human Resource Management Graduate Program Led by a Diverse Faculty

At TROY, you'll learn from faculty with diverse academic and business backgrounds. Our faculty bring years of real-world experience to the classroom, having worked in HR in fields such as defense, engineering, nonprofit, recreation and events planning. They've held executive roles in private business, owned small businesses and taught at universities all over the world. They prioritize the practical application of course concepts through case studies, individual and group exercises and your capstone project. 

Troy University fountain.

Master of Science in Human Resource Management Concentrations

Tailor your MSHRM degree to your career goals by choosing a general Human Resource Management degree or another concentration below.
Applied Economics
Broaden your HR perspective by examining how global markets, financial systems and economic trends influence workforce management. The applied economics concentration enhances core HR knowledge with economic and financial insight through two graduate economics courses and one graduate finance course. This concentration offers a valuable framework for understanding the broader economic forces that shape organizational planning and workforce strategy. 

Applied Economics Catalog Applied Economics Degree Map
Cybersecurity Management
As technology continues to shape the workplace, understanding cybersecurity has become essential for HR leaders. The cybersecurity management concentration within the MSHRM program provides in-depth training in security operations, asset protection and risk identification. You'll develop the skills needed to support data security, employee privacy and regulatory compliance across organizational settings.

Cybersecurity Management Catalog Cybersecurity Management Degree Map
General Business
Shape your MSHRM experience with a general business concentration designed to provide flexibility and broaden your understanding of core business functions. By selecting three approved graduate business courses, you can align your studies with your specific career interests. This concentration strengthens your overall business acumen while enhancing your ability to make informed, strategic HR decisions. 


General Business Catalog General Business Degree Map
Health Services Management
Enhance your MSHRM degree with a concentration in health services management, designed to prepare professionals for leadership in the evolving healthcare industry. Through courses in healthcare strategy, economics and systems management, you'll gain the insight needed to navigate organizational structure, apply strategic frameworks and understand the economic forces impacting healthcare delivery and operations. 

Health Services Management Catalog Health Services Management Degree Map
International Relations
Expand your global awareness with a concentration in international relations, designed to help HR professionals understand the political, economic and cultural forces shaping the international landscape. You'll explore topics such as diplomacy, international law, political economy and intercultural communication — critical for managing global workforces and supporting multinational organizations. This concentration prepares you to lead confidently in cross-border and culturally diverse environments. 

International Relations Catalog International Relations Degree Map
Leadership
Prepare to lead with impact in a constantly changing business environment. The leadership concentration in the MSHRM program focuses on ethical leadership, motivation and management in a global context. You'll examine leadership theory, explore strategies for engaging virtual teams and learn how to foster a values-based organizational culture. Graduates are prepared to lead with confidence, integrity and strategic insight across diverse environments. 

Leadership Catalog Leadership Degree Map
Management
Elevate your MSHRM degree with a concentration in management, designed to deepen your understanding of workplace behavior and organizational effectiveness. You'll explore key areas such as motivation, communication, conflict resolution, and social influence, along with courses in organizational development and international management. This concentration prepares you to foster people-centered environments while aligning with broader strategic goals, all rooted in essential management theory. 

Management Catalog Management Degree Map
Project Management
Prepare for project management jobs with great diversity and international options with this popular concentration. You'll be hands-on with Microsoft Project, the most widely used project management software. You'll create several projects, including one where you combine your background with your new project management skills. Your final course provides in-depth coverage of The Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK), a detailed guide of project management best practices developed by the Project Management Institute (PMI). While it's not required, you'll be prepared to take either the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) or Project Management Professional (PMP) certification exams administered by the Project Management Institute (PMI).  
Public Administration
Build your skills in managing people, resources and budgets within a global framework through the public administration concentration. You'll study topics including economics, strategic planning, ethics, administrative law and organizational leadership. Upon completion, you'll be prepared to apply core public administration principles across a variety of organizational settings.  

Public Administration Catalog Public Administration Degree Map
Sport Management
Turn your interest in sports into a professional career with the MSHRM concentration in sport management. Combining essential management concepts with specialized courses like sport marketing, applied sport analytics and foundations of sport management, this concentration prepares you for leadership roles within collegiate athletics, professional sports and related industries. 

Sport Management Catalog Sport Management Degree Map
Strategic Communication
Enhance your leadership and communication skills with the strategic communication concentration. Dive into subjects like leadership, media strategy and global communication to develop the ability to craft compelling messages and manage communication across complex organizations. This concentration equips you to effectively influence, engage and connect within a variety of professional environments. 

Strategic Communication Catalog Strategic Communication Degree Map

Master's in Human Resources Careers

The master's in human resource management prepares you for a successful human resources career in almost any sector, including business, government, nonprofit and higher education.

Faculty Profiles

Dr. John Haymore

Dr. John Haymore

Dr. John Haymore, Assistant Professor, earned his Ph.D. in human resource development from the University of Texas at Tyler. He also has an MBA degree and holds PHR, SHRM-CP, OSHA-30 and Lean SixSigma certifications. He has worked as head of HR and safety in many industries, including engineering, manufacturing and health care. Dr. Haymore was recognized as HR Professional of the Year 2022 by the HR Association of Palm Beach County, Florida. Dr. Haymore's research interests include strategic HRM, workplace violence and employee coping.
Learn more about our faculty 334-670-3162 jhaymore@troy.edu

Master's in Human Resource Management Scholarships

Students in the HR graduate program can apply for scholarships through TROY or the Society for Human Resource Management.

Related Programs

Master's in ManagementMaster of Public AdministrationMaster's in International RelationsMaster of Business Administration (MBA)

FAQ About the Human Resource Management Graduate Program

Learn more about the HR field and the M.S. in human resource management degree.
What does HRM stand for?
HRM stands for human resource management, which is the process of managing people, culture and workplace activities. The primary goal of HRM is to attract, hire, train, engage and retain employees to ensure they are as effective and productive as possible.
What is an MSHRM degree?
An MSHRM degree is a Master of Science in Human Resource Management. This graduate degree prepares you to manage people within a business or organization. An MSHRM degree teaches you about employee recruitment and selection, workforce planning, training and development, compensation and employment law. It equips you to take on the complexities and challenges of today's workplace.
Why get a master's degree in human resources?
Increasing your earning potential is one of the biggest reasons to earn a master's degree in human resources. A master's in human resources creates more career opportunities than a bachelor's degree alone, allowing you to move into leadership roles or work toward The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) certification.
Is a master's in human resources worth it?
Whether a master's in human resources is worth it depends on your career aspirations, educational background and skill set. While no single path leads to HR jobs, a master's degree in human resources gives you an advanced understanding of HR practices, networking opportunities and a competitive advantage in the job market.
How long does it take to get a master's degree in human resources?
Time to degree depends on the program and whether you pursue your MSHRM full time or part time. TROY's master's in human resource management requires 30-33 credit hours, which takes about two years to complete.
What can I do with a master's in human resources?
If you don't have prior HR experience, a master's degree in human resource management can prepare you to work as a recruiter, trainer, compensation and benefits analyst, employee relations specialist or HR generalist. With prior HR experience, you can lead organizations as a human resource manager, compensation and benefits manager, employment manager, labor relations manager, diversity and inclusion officer, training and development manager or director-level positions.
How does the MSHRM degree compare to certification in HR?
Both the MSHRM degree and HR certification demonstrate your competence in the field to prospective employers. The MSHRM, however, helps you develop that competence while certification proves your competence. They complement each other, and many HR professionals pursue both.

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News

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